Book Description

Return of the Believer: Studies in the Prayer of Jesus from the Gospel of John is a theological study of the Prayer of Jesus specifically, the Gospel of John in general, and relevant topics in the Synoptic Gospel. The Prayer of Jesus contains twenty-six verses with each verse prompting broader applications for the Christian faith. The main title Return of the Believer implies an original express of faith in Jesus Christ by John the writer of the Gospel. The study accepts an apologetic value to the Gospel of John as it argues the importance of true faith through the acceptance of John’s interpretation of Jesus Christ. The Prayer of Jesus is a summary of John’s views of Jesus. The return of the believer is a call for a renewal of faith in the New Testament, especially the Gospel of John. This study reveals the Apostle John as the true believer and model for the Christian faith, and the Prayer of Jesus provides a summary of John’s teachings and the expressed will of God for the Church. Each verse is explained in the context of its surrounding verses, and important topics are addressed. The special feature of the Prayer is its prompting of related issues that appear elsewhere in the New Testament and the teachings of the Church. For example, the Prayer, and the Gospel itself, does not mention the birth of Jesus but, instead, focuses on the pre-existence of the Son as the eternal Logos or God. This study requires an explanation of the difference. Discussions of each verse invite the reader to engage in contemporary related issues.